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For almost four decades, this rusting old ship has been one of the most iconic landmarks of the North Wales coastline.

Now, photographer Jason Naylor has captured stunning footage of the “Funship” from above.

The Duke of Lancaster arrived in Mostyn in Flintshire in the summer of 1979, with a plan by its owners to turn it into a floating leisure and retail complex.

Campaigners say the former passenger ferry arrived with the full blessing of the then Delyn Borough Council, but planning application after planning application to open the attraction were refused due to emergency access concerns.

The council argued the only accessible route for emergency vehicles was via the Glan-y-Don railway bridge, which they claimed was too weak as it was restricted to 10 tonnes.

Eventually, alternative access was secured and the Funship finally opened for business.

It fast became one of the most popular attractions in North Wales, but there were many disputes between the council and its owners.

Because of this, the Funship was closed in 1984 and has remained docked at Llanerch-y-Mor ever since.

Six years ago, the Duke of Lancaster Appreciation Society (DOLAS) was formed in a bid to restore and reopen the ship to the public.

But the issue of emergency access prevented the group from moving forward with their plans.

The lack of access rendered the ship and the site practically useless as a business venture, but DOLAS refused to give up and claim to have secured evidence from the Office of Rail Regulation that the bridge could in fact take 40 tonnes.

Jason, who filmed the footage on his drone, says he would love to see the Funship reopened some day.

He said: “I remember my parents taking me to the Duke as a child, and I remember how grand it was with me being so small.

“I actually got to go on it once too.

“I’d love to see it refurbished. It’s a real shame to let it go to waste. It’s formed part of the Welsh coastline now for so many years, and it’s sad to see it dying.”